Mercedes-Benz C Class Recall R/2003/185: Rear Seat Belts May Not Engage Correctly, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 9 Jan 2004
- Launched
- 4,372
- vehicles in the UK
- 1886
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled C Class vehicles built between 1 August 2003 and 1 October 2003. Rear Seat Belt may not engage correctly. The dealer will replace seat belt buckle. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Rear Seat Belt may not engage correctly.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: REAR SEAT BELTS MAY NOT ENGAGE CORRECTLY Defect: Rear Seat Belt may not engage correctly Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and replace seat belt buckle
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: rear seat belts may not engage correctly.
The Fix
The dealer will replace seat belt buckle.
Are You Affected?
C Class built between 1 August 2003 and 1 October 2003 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 4,372 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Mercedes-Benz, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Mercedes-Benz.
- Book with any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, quoting the campaign code 1886 or the DVSA reference R/2003/185. See how to get a Mercedes-Benz recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| C Class, EQE, GLCBolting of steering coupling | Urgent | R/2025/333 | |
| C ClassDriver seat belt fitting | Urgent | R/2025/158 | |
| C Class, CLS, E Class, GLCMisfire detection M264 | Low | R/2024/474 | |
| C ClassBolting connection Pre-Fuse box | Low | R/2024/281 | |
| C ClassScrew connections of 12 V and 48 V ground points | Urgent | R/2024/299 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2010/153 on 18 Nov 2003, for bonnet could open without warning. The one launched after it was R/2003/186 on 17 Jun 2004, for tyre valves may leak where fitted in wheel. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, the Mercedes-Benz C Class recall history, all recalls launched in 2004 and seat belt recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/185, launched 9 January 2004. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.